Why is Avast Free Antivirus forcing me to upgrade to paid?

[Anil00]

I have an old Vista laptop that I need to have virus protection for - because Microsoft Security has ended for Vista.
I thought Avast Free was free? It has been warning me that my free license is expired and my computer "is in danger".
Even the Avast Uninstaller does not work.
Can anyone please help?

[Asyn]

-> https://support.avast.com/article/Activate-Free-Antivirus

[Anil00]

When I select the free antivirus upgrade option, a popup appears for Avast Internet Security, 60 day trial.
see attachment.
When I click No Thanks, Avast exits without renewing my license.

[Asyn]

Which version of Avast Free..?

[kwc813]

Have you re-downloaded the most current Avast?  Probably yes.  Registering only means sending them your email address.  I've never had protection ever stopped, but maybe they do.  I've used Avast for many years because I'm a builder, and it's a decent AV program provided by a marketing company.  Never forget that.  The last time I downloaded it, it didn't even prompt me to register it which is why I asked that question first.  The free program is equal to the paid program for AV protection.  If you're not covered with Avast then Windows Defender will be active.  Go to Task Manager and see if Avast is running.  If so, then all you have to do is ignore the ads from them.  If not, then search online on how to remove it completely and then re-download and install...or go with AVG Free, or McAfee, or a dozen others that do the same things and let them just override Avast.

[bob3160]

When I select the free antivirus upgrade option, a popup appears for Avast Internet Security, 60 day trial.
see attachment.
When I click No Thanks, Avast exits without renewing my license.

There isn't any force. Just select the No Thank you option.
More detail here,
https://youtu.be/Gdf-U45nrQc

[DavidR]

@  kwc813
If you read the OPs post he is using an old Vista laptop (so some of your suggestions won't work).  That precludes him downloading the latest avast version as support for XP/Vista stopped as at avast 18.8.  Even then there is a possibility as in my XP system that 18.8 doesn't work well at all, hence I have 18.5 on the XP system.

AVG is owned by Avast Software, so no doubt the case would be very similar.

@  Anil00
To help you further we really need to know what version you are using right now ?
User Interfaces and Options would differ.

On my XP system with 18.5 if I click the Upgrade button on the Main UI window, it does give me options.  However the avast free option is inert.  You effectively have to back out using the X button top right of any window displayed. 

You would get these additional options after opting for No Thanks.

[Anil00]

My Avast version is 18.8.2356

Please see attachment for settings screenshot

Basically it wants me to input my credit card for a 60 day trial.

Only then will it renew my 'free' license.

[DavidR]

My Avast version is 18.8.2356

Please see attachment for settings screenshot

Basically it wants me to input my credit card for a 60 day trial.

Only then will it renew my 'free' license.

Don't go down that route, you will end up with the free trial of AIS.

How long have you got to go on your current free license ?

If it is less than 12 days the interface should change to allow for renewing that Avast Free license (not a 60 day trial of AIS at the end of which payment would be taken).

Right click avast tray icon and select Registration information, what do you see there ?
If the license is still valid all you would see if an Upgrade now option.

[Anil00]

"How long have you got to go on your current free license ?"

As I mentioned in my original post, it is already expired.

It expired on July 20.

see screenshot.

[Anil00]

also see scrreenshot forcing the trial. Once you click the "Start Free Trial" button, it takes you to checkout and you cannot close the window - even if you remove it from your cart.
The only way is to launch Task Manager and kill the Avast Application.
This is behaving like malware itself.

[DavidR]

That is even stranger, as 10 days expiry it is meant to reactivate.  So there is something else going on here, what is beyond me.  You could also try an Avast Repair.

Are you using the Activate button on the left of the Screen ?

I suspect that you are using one of these, the Resolve or the Reactivate buttons. Most probably the Reactivate button given the wording 'Reactivate it now by selecting the right level of protection for the upcoming year.'  That would throw you into the screen you posted earlier, leading you into the 60 day free trial of AIS.

[Anil00]

"Are you using the Activate button on the left of the Screen ?"

Yes, I have tried that also.
I wish someone from Avast would help.

[bob3160]

"Are you using the Activate button on the left of the Screen ?"

Yes, I have tried that also.
I wish someone from Avast would help.

Did you watch the video which points out the pitfalls?
https://youtu.be/Gdf-U45nrQc

When it states free trial, you're not renewing the free version.
When it asks for your Credit Card, you aren't renewing the free version.

[Anil00]

"Did you watch the video which points out the pitfalls?"

I did watch your video. The product I am using is Avast Free Antivirus.
Clicking Activate or Reactivate does not renew the license even after closing subsequent screens.
Unlike your video. You may be using an earlier version. I am on 18.8.2356


@Bob3160 What tool did you use to make your video? it nicely captures your screens and clicks.